Math Problem Statement
Solution
To find the half-life of the radioactive substance, we use the equation:
Step 1: Define the half-life
The half-life () is the time it takes for the substance to decay to half its initial amount. Mathematically, when , we solve for .
Step 2: Simplify the equation
Divide both sides by :
Step 3: Take the natural logarithm of both sides
We know that . So:
Step 4: Calculate the half-life
The natural logarithm of 2 is approximately 0.693. Substituting:
Final Answer:
The half-life of the substance is 7.5 days.
Would you like more explanation or examples? Here are some related questions:
- How does changing the decay constant affect the half-life?
- What is the half-life if the decay constant is doubled?
- Can you derive the formula for half-life in terms of the decay constant?
- What does the value of represent in this context?
- How would the half-life change if the decay was measured in hours instead of days?
Tip: Remember that the decay constant () is inversely proportional to the half-life.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Exponential Decay
Half-life
Natural Logarithms
Formulas
y = y₀ e^(-kt)
t = ln(2) / k
Theorems
Logarithmic Properties
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 10-12
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